How was Sean Payton's weekend with George Payton?

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin, 11, right, plays against the Colorado Buffaloes with teammate Marcus Harper II, 55, during the second quarter at Autzen Stadium on September 23, 2023. Celebrating a touchdown catch. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

The newspaper's sports staff evaluates the Denver Broncos' performance in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Parker Gabriel, Broncos beat writer

School year:B-

There's no way around the fact that this draft class will be graded based on Bo Nix's performance. In the end, you'll end up with either A or F, unless there's a lot of gray in between. In the short term, the Knicks pick 12th overall makes sense from a reach value standpoint, but given the importance of the position and the fact that the next pick is over 130 spots behind in the draft. It's also completely realistic. The next six picks were made wisely. Troy Franklin at No. 4 seems to have value, and the trade up wasn't particularly expensive. Edge Jonah Ellis and corner Chris Abrams-Drain are classic George Paton picks. Mid-round players at premium positions can outperform their draft positions if they stay healthy. Overall, a productive week is on the Knicks.

Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat writer

School year:B

For the Broncos, it felt like the fireworks didn't go off until the final day of the draft. Denver took wide receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round in a trade for Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers. Franklin could be a steal for the Broncos, but Franklin Myers would improve a shaky defensive line. Notre Dame running back Audric Estim didn't have the best 40-yard dash time at the combine, but he's physical and could be a starter in the future. It's hard to be mad about Denver's moves on Saturday as the team improved on both sides of the ball.

Troy Lenk, sports columnist

School year:B-

This draft is all about the success of Bo Nix. The same goes for Sean Payton's Hall of Fame bid. If the Knicks make it work, no one will remember him being selected as the sixth quarterback. But the Knicks need help to work. There are two players who could shake up the reputation of this class: receiver Troy Franklin and running back Audric Estim. If Franklin and Nix match Oregon State's chemistry, the Broncos' offense will suddenly have a much-needed playmaker. But this offense is built to run the ball. That's why I consider Estime a sleeper. He should form a one-two punch with Javonte Williams and serve as a hammer at the goal line for a team that has struggled to score in the red zone.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist

School year:B.

Talk about saving the best for last. The Broncos got two potential steals in WR Troy Franklin and RB Audric Estim, a speedster (4.4!) in CB Chris Abrams-Drain, and Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers. He played a future sixth-rounder. If he can bring out at least three potential starters from Day 3, the landing will have been a failure. The Knicks were probably a reach and Ellis wasn't good enough to be a threat on any down edge, but they were running low on a roster with holes and questions all over the place as of Saturday night.